ISLAM &

GLOBALIZATION
 .
OUTLINE

INTRODUCTION OF GLOBALIZATION

CONCEPT OF GLOBALIZATION IN ISLAM

FACETS OF GLOBALIZATION

SOCIO-CULTURAL IMPACT OF
GLOBALIZATION ON MUSLIMS

POLITICAL IMPACT OF GLOBALIZATION ON

MUSLIMS

ECONOMIC IMPACT OF GLOBALIZATION ON

MUSLIMS

CONCLUSION
 Introduction of Globalization
Thomas Larsson, a journalist from Sweden, described
globalization ;
as the phenomenon in which the world shrinks, the distances
shortens, and the people becomes closer. It is the opportunity to
enhance the interactive relations among people around the globe
to attain benefits.”
 MUSLIM SCHOLAR’S PRESPECTIVE

According to A.O.Altwaijri:

“The present situation of the Islamic world is propitious for the penetration of
the baneful effects of cultural globalization, since the immune capacities of
Islamic world are not strong enough to protect it from the devastating
repercussions of this global phenomenon that recognizes no boundaries and
destroy all barriers”
[Globalization and the Culture Life in the Islamic World]
 Concept of globalization in Islam
The thoughts along with the culture of Islam are flexible enough to
hold all the other globally existing civilizations and the cultures
without discriminating the nations, color, and countries as Islamic
thoughts are so close to the nature of humans. The words of Quran are
there to elaborate the concept of Islamic globalization:

“And we have you into Nations and tribes, that you may know each
other” (40:13)

“O mankind! We have indeed created you from one man and one
woman, and have made you into various nations and tribes so that you
may know one another; indeed the more honorable among you, in the
sight of Allah, is one who is more pious among you; indeed Allah is All
Knowing, All Aware.”
(49:13)
 Facets of Globalization
• In this era, progression of globalization is
among the leading aspects, which is
considered to be affect the civilization in
three fundamental arenas including;

o socio-cultural
o politics
o Economics
 .

MUSLIM
GLOBALIZATIO HOMOGENIZIN SOCIO- HYBRID
N G TENDENCIES RELIGIOUS CULTURE
CULTURES
 Socio-Cultural Impact of
Globalization on Muslims
 Westernized Muslim intellectuals
 The Effect of the Role of Non-Government
Organizations (NGOs)
 The Effects of dichotomous Muslim Educational system

 Elements of modern thought

 Negative Impact of ICT
 Family System
 Westernized Muslim
intellectuals
• Many of Muslim intellectuals have been influenced by
the western socio-cultural values and western
perception of life style
• According to Seyyed Hossein Nasr:

“Number of students has been sent from the Islamic world, often
intellectually and spiritually unprepared. They continue their studies
in westernized educational institutions for years and face with its
cultural, social and even religious dislocation.”
Seyyed Hossein Nasr, A Young Muslim's Guide to the Modem World, Mekar
Publishers: Kuala Lumpur, 1994, pg. 165.
 The Effect of NGOs
 It is undeniable that NGOs have positive aspects however the
negative impacts should not be left unchecked.
 BRAC is one of prominent NGOs in Bangladesh, which has
undesirable effect on Muslim society and culture. It has
established more than 5,000 primary schools and
kindergartens where about half a million students are enrolled.
 62% of women, have been misused to inculcate prejudice and
hatred against majority of Muslim culture, traditions and
establishments which lead to break down of family ties and
hatred against Islamic teachings. (Rural Development
Foundation 1990-91)
 NGOs-operated schools in the rural areas make reading of the
Bible compulsory.
 The Effects of dichotomous Muslim
Educational system
• produces dual citizens in the Muslim World
• the British educational systems introduced in some
Muslim countries are of two streams.
MODERN STREAM RELIGIOUS STREAM

Relationship Between Two:

modem-educated
religious-educated
people brand them as
people consider others
mullahs ,detached and
as atheists, agonists
back warded from
and blind followers of
world development in
Western culture and
science and
values
technology
 Elements of modern thought
• Anwar Ali asserts that;
It is unfortunate that the western ideology and philosophy
which are devastating religion, combined of materialism,
nationalism and utilitarian ethics by products of
rationalism and virtue of in self-interest can be conducive
neither to be peace nor to the humanity at large.
Anwar Ali, Islam Ideology and Leading Issues,
United Ltd.: Lahore, 1978.

The concept and meaning of Jihad has been corrupted by

the West and Muslims themselves become delusional and
confused.
 Negative Impact of ICT
o ICT is that it has brought rapid western culture among
Muslim youths due to:
1. liberalization of the global media
2. privatization of local media with unlimited freedom of
press
o Global media makes continuous effort to disseminate
negative impression on Islam through continuous
depiction of misleading and misconception of certain
terminologies such as terrorism, violent behavior,
fanaticism, and fundamentalism
 Family system
• Family System is the focal target of the growing globalization in the
society of Muslims, which the societies of western countries have
destroyed almost completely.
“Trend of isolated family system”
• The emphasis of Islam is basically laid on the peaceful relations
among the members of the family.
According to Surah-An-Nisa, verse number 36,
“Worship Allah and join none with Him in worship, and do good to
parents, kinsfolk, orphans, Al-Masakin (the poor), the neighbor who is
near of kin, the neighbor who is a stranger, the companion by your
side, the wayfarer (you meet), and those (slaves) whom your right
hands possess. Verily, Allah does not like such as are proud and
boastful”
 POLITICAL IMPACT OF
GLOBALIZATION ON MUSLIMS

In political sphere, there are several negative

factors that hinder Muslim unity:
liberal-secularist mind-set destroys religious
norms, heritages and cultural values
this mind-set believe that the proper place for
religious norms or ethical values is in the mosque
not in the public spheres.
 ECONOMIC IMPACT OF
GLOBALIZATION ON MUSLIMS
• Interest on loans is strictly prohibited in Islam, regardless
of the recipient’s race or religion. Interest channels
wealth from the poor to the rich, encourages exploitation
of the poor and widens economic gaps.

“If the debtor is in difficulty,

grant him time until it is easy
for him to repay. But if you
remit it by way of charity, that is
best for you if you only knew.”
(2:280)
 CONCLUSION
• Islam is not against the globalization or not even
in conflict with the modernity, though the
certain features of globalization, according to
the point of view of Islam, are clearly different
from those of the Muslim’s religion.
• If the quality of the texts and history of the
religion is reviewed, it will create an obvious
comprehensive understanding about Islam
being the religion for an entire humanity.
Surah 13 of verse 11 of the Holy Quran states that;

“Verily Allah (swt) will never

change the condition of a people
until thei; change themselves
(with their own souls)”
Jazāk Allāhu Khayran